Winners of nine consecutive games to commence their 2018-19 campaign, the Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) have soared to No. 1 overall in the latest Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) Top 20 rankings, announced Monday. The weekly listings are compiled by an independent scouting service which uses a variety of factors to determine the rankings.

The 9-0 Thunderbirds as the lone unbeaten CJHL side in regulation entering play this week heading into a highly anticipated match-up with the 8-0-1 and No. 4 ranked Powassan Voodoos Tuesday in Day 1 of the NOJHL Showcase in Sudbury, Ont.

A 9-1-1 start has helped the surging Inouk de Granby (LHJAAAQ) move to No. 2 nationally while the 2019 Canadian Jr. A championship-host Brooks Bandits (AJHL) have reeled off seven straight victories and jumped to No. 3 in the CJHL.

Rounding out the Top 5 are the Oakville Blades (OJHL), who have gone an impressive 9-1-1-1 in their first dozen outings.